Bert, our SAA today, promised not to tell any "shaggy dog" stories, and then immediately launched into some dog jokes! Bert also highlighted Canada's great performance at the Rio Summer Olympics, with a total medal count of 22.

Wedding Anniversaries: Douglas and Pamela Brown, 63 years on August 22; Alan and Anne Reynolds, 43 years on August 25

Rotary Anniversaries: Van Scoffield, 9 years on August 23; Louis Fortin, 8 years on August 26; Linda Sinclair, 6 years on August 23

Van announced that Rod McLeod is now a resident of the White Rock Senior Village, and would welcome visits from his fellow Rotarians.

50/50 Draw: Syed had the right ticket, but drew the wrong card, so the pot continues to grow!

President Raj announced the the August Book Sale, was the best four day sale ever! Daphne confirmed the final total was $21,006.60! Congratulations to everyone who helped make this fund-raising event such a huge success.

Alan introduced scholarship candidate, Declan Gray-Wright, a student from Semiahmoo High School, who is entering the University of Victoria's Bachelor of Commerce program. Declan has donated over 750 hours of community service and achieved recognition in winning the Duke of Edinburgh medals.

Van spoke of the upcoming terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 18th, and announced lawn signs and pledge sheets are now available.

17 cases have been reported, so far, in 2016: 11 from Pakistan and 6 from Afghanistan, compared to 29 reported during the same period of 2015.

2. OPV2 withdrawal, IPV introduction, immunization strenghtening

The globally synchronized withdrawal of type2 oral polio is an historical public health achievement. Known as "The Switch", this was the biggest public health undertaking in the World, and was accomplished in 2 weeks! Rotary supported the campaigns planned before the switch.

Low performing areas well defined and plans are being implemented towards the end of low transmission season.

Major risks:

- Greater Peshawar - Nangarhar

- Quetta Block - Kandahar

- Karachi

- inconsistently reached population pockets due to SIA quality at the sub-district level and inaccessibility in parts of Afghanistan

In summary, Dr. King reminded us that "as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere". Countries need to ensure that anyone who leaves their borders needs to be immunized.

Today, August 23rd, is the 25th Anniversary of eradicating polio in the Americas Region. The next challenge is eradicating Measles, with the World Health Organization faced with transferring donations and personnel, from polio to other diseases.